11/17/2021 - Regular - DRAFT
November 17, 2021
649
Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being the second regularly scheduled
meeting of the month of November 2021. Audio and video recordings of this meeting
will be held on file for a minimum of five (5) years in the office of the Clerk to the Board
of Supervisors.
IN RE: OPENING CEREMONIES
Before the meeting was called to order, a moment of silence was
observed. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.
IN RE: CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Peters called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. The roll call was
taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman P. Jason Peters; Supervisors Martha B. Hooker,
Paul M. Mahoney, Phil C. North and David F. Radford
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Daniel R. O’Donnell, County Administrator; Richard
Caywood, Assistant County Administrator; Rebecca Owens,
Assistant County Administrator; Peter S. Lubeck, County
Attorney; Amy Whittaker, Public Information Officer and
Deborah C. Jacks, Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board
IN RE: REQUESTS TO POSTPONE, ADD TO, OR CHANGE THE ORDER OF
AGENDA ITEMS
Supervisor Mahoney request that we amend the Closed Session to add
discussing candidates and appointments to the Western Virginia Regional Jail Authority,
Broadband Authority, South Peak Community Development Authority, Roanoke Valley
Resource Authority and Audit Committee. There were no objections.
November 17, 2021
650
IN RE: NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution adopting legislative priorities for the 2022 session of
the Virginia General Assembly and petitioning the General
Assembly to favorably consider the priorities addressed herein
(Peter S. Lubeck, County Attorney)
Mr. Lubeck outlined the request for resolution and introduced Sue
Rowland and Eldon James who gave brief overview on the special session.
Supervisor Mahoney questioned, assuming that the recounts are
unsuccessful, any idea of what the composition of the House money committee would
look like with Mr. James responding it will change substantially. Supervisor Mahoney
then commended Supervisor North for his work with the legislative body.
Supervisor Peters asked with regard to capital needs, does Mr. James
have an idea where they will go. Mr. James responded the only thing he is comfortable
with is there will be something put on the table next Wednesday. The State has dabbled
in it off and on over the last 20 years. Another item is fully funding the literary fund.
Supervisor North commented this is going to be a challenging year with
transition; a long-term session, a new administration, new ideas. We are looking at a
$3.3 billion surplus next year; at the end of June 2022. We are not even at the half way
mark for this year. If you eliminate the $2.5 food for home consumption tax, it would
reduce revenues by $650 to $750 million a year. If you double the standard deduction, it
would reduce general fund revenues $650 million. So you have those two (2) big
negatives, but you have a $3.3 billion surplus. So, maybe this is the year to do so things.
The mood in Richmond is going to be to reduce taxes. You will get some dynamic
discussion on the education subject; in his opinion it is dead on arrival. Funding with
some surplus monies is the right approach and let the dialog continue to come to some
consensus as to what is the best funding formula going forward for the education capital
because nothing has been done since the 1950’s. He firmly believes that you have to
think outside the box and put the spin on workforce development and economic
development in front of the education piece because it is all one big package. He
believes that is one way to sell this in order to get help for the CTE School.
RESOLUTION 111721-1 ADOPTING LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
FOR THE 2022 SESSION OF THE VIRGINIA GENERAL
ASSEMBLY AND PETITIONING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO
FAVORABLY CONSIDER THE PRIORITIES ADDRESSED
HEREIN
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, has identified
legislative priorities of local and statewide concern to be considered during the 2022
session of the Virginia General Assembly; and
November 17, 2021
651
WHEREAS, the Board adopts this resolution setting forth its legislative priorities,
and respectfully petitions the General Assembly to favorably consider such.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, that the following priorities are submitted for the General Assembly’s
consideration during its 2022 session.
PRIORITIES
1. Authority to Issue Personal Property Tax Refunds
a. At present, § 15.2-2511.1 of the Code of Virginia authorizes localities, by
ordinance, to issue refunds of surplus real property tax revenues to
taxpayers who are assessed real property taxes. The County proposes
that § 15.2-2511.1 of the Code of Virginia be amended (or that the Code
of Virginia otherwise be amended) to additionally authorize localities to
return surplus personal property tax revenues to taxpayers who are
assessed such.
2. Education K-12 Funding
a. The County supports making additional state resources and funding
available to localities to support school capital needs, including
rehabilitation and upgrades to existing facilities as well as construction of
new facilities.
b. The County urges the General Assembly to provide hold-harmless funding
for sales tax distributions and direct aid payment based on average daily
membership until the main impacts of COVID-19 on both sources of
funding cease.
3. Authority to Impose Civil Penalties
a. At present, § 15.2-1429 of the Code of Virginia authorizes localities to
impose criminal penalties for violations of local codes; civil penalties are
not universally authorized. The County proposes that § 15.2-1429 be
amended (or that the Code of Virginia otherwise be amended) to allow
localities the option to impose civil penalties for violations of local codes, in
lieu of criminal penalties. The County further proposes that localities be
granted authority to issue civil summonses for such violations, that
violators be allowed to prepay such penalties in lieu of holding a trial, and
that localities further be authorized to impose liens on the real property of
violators who fail to pay such fines or penalties.
4. Mental Health and Public Hospital Needs
a. The County supports legislation that would relieve law enforcement of
maintaining custody of individuals subject to temporary detention orders
while such individuals are receiving medical evaluation or treatment;
alternatively, the County supports additional funding for law enforcement
to assist in maintaining custody of such individuals during such time of
evaluation or treatment.
November 17, 2021
652
b. The County urges the General Assembly to use available funds to address
the needs of Virginia’s state mental health hospitals, including Catawba
Hospital.
5. Children’s Services Act
a. The County supports the provision of additional state assistance to
localities with contracting for CSA services, to improve localities’ ability to
negotiate with providers of these services, such as private-day
placements.
b. The County supports additional state resources to assist in local
administration of CSA programs. At present, localities pay a
disproportionately higher percentage of such costs.
On motion of Supervisor North to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
2. Resolution requesting the Commonwealth Transportation Board
fund the Route 460 and Alternate Route 220 Intersection
Improvements Project in the Hollins and Vinton Magisterial
Districts (Megan G. Cronise, Transportation Planning
Administrator)
Ms. Cronise outlined the request for resolution. There was no
discussion.
RESOLUTION 111721-2 REQUESTING THE COMMONWEALTH
TRANSPORTATION BOARD FUND THE ROUTE 460 AND
ALTERNATE ROUTE 220 INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT IN THE HOLLINS AND VINTON MAGISTERIAL
DISTRICTS
WHEREAS, at a regular meeting on July 28, 2020, the Board of Supervisors
adopted a resolution supporting proposed SMART SCALE Round 4 project applications;
and
WHEREAS, that list of projects included applications to be submitted by Roanoke
County, the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization, the Roanoke Valley-
Alleghany Regional Commission and the City of Roanoke; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors continues to support both local and
regional projects to mitigate congestion, promote economic development, increase
accessibility, safety, and environmental quality, as well as develop projects consistent
with local land use policies; and
November 17, 2021
653
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors maintains support for all proposed SMART
SCALE projects located on congested Route 460 (Orange Avenue and Challenger
Avenue), a Corridor of Statewide Significance that has been the subject of two studies
in the past five years: the U.S. 460 Arterial Preservation Program (APP) and the
Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) Program; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has the opportunity
to fund additional SMART SCALE Round 4 projects with surplus funds, as described at
its October 19, 2021, meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization allocated
$2,544,860 in Surface Transportation Block Grant funding to this project on November
4, 2021, to help facilitate additional funding for the project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. That the Board of Supervisors hereby supports the CTB allocation of
surplus funding to fully fund the Route 460 and Alternate Route 220
Intersection Improvements project.
2. That the Clerk to the Board forthwith send a certified copy of this
Resolution to Commonwealth Transportation Board member Dr. Ray
Smoot, State Delegate Joseph McNamara, State Delegate Chris Head,
State Senator David Suetterlein, State Senator John Edwards and State
Senator Steve Newman.
3. That this resolution is effective immediately.
On motion of Supervisor North to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS AND FIRST READING OF
REZONING ORDINANCES - CONSENT AGENDA
1. The petition of Lawson Companies to amend existing proffered
conditions on approximately 12.15 acres on property zoned R-3C,
Medium Density Multi-Family Residential, District with conditions,
to construct 216 apartments located in the 5000 block of Cove
Road, the 2700 block of Peters Creek Road, and south of Beacon
Ridge subdivision, Catawba Magisterial District
Supervisor Hooker’s motion to approve the first reading and set the
second reading and public hearing for December 14, 2021, was seconded by
Supervisor Mahoney and approved by the following vote:
November 17, 2021
654
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance amending Chapter 18, Section 18-63.1 of the Roanoke
County Code, discontinuing Roanoke County's receipt of
applications and fees for the issuance of permits for septic tanks,
on-site sewage disposal systems and wells (Tarek Moneir,
Director of Development Services)
Mr. Moneir provided an outline of the history of this issue. Supervisor
Radford commented that he is in support of this ordinance and are glad we are doing;
less governmental red tape. There was no further discussion.
Supervisor Radford’s motion to approve the first reading and set the
second reading for December 14, 2022 was seconded by Supervisor North and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
2. Ordinance accepting funds in the amount of $118,089.97 from the
Commonwealth of Virginia, and appropriating such funds to
Roanoke County’s grant fund, for distribution to the Town of
Vinton for the purpose of providing municipal utility assistance,
and authorizing the execution of 1) a Memorandum of
Understanding and 2) Certification of receipt for the use of such
funds (Laurie Gearheart, Director of Finance and Management
Services)
Ms. Gearheart outlined the request. There was no discussion.
Supervisor Mahoney’s motion to approve the first reading and set the
second reading for December 14, 2021, was seconded by Supervisor Hooker and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
Supervisor Mahoney asked what happens if all the funds are not
disbursed to citizens with Ms. Gearheart advising they would go back but does not this
this is an issue.
November 17, 2021
655
3. Ordinance accepting funds in the amount of $50,000 from Friends
of the Blue Ridge, and appropriating the funds to Roanoke
County’s General Fund to be used for constructing a playground
at Explore Park (Doug Blount, Director of General Services and
Parks, Recreation and Tourism)
Mr. Blount outlined the request for ordinance.
Supervisor Radford commented he is so glad to see we are getting this playground.
Supervisor Mahoney inquired if there will be any signage or a plaque with
Mr. Blount advising some type of appropriate signage will be done thanking the Friends
of the Blue Ridge. There was no further discussion.
Supervisor Peters’ motion to approve the first reading and set the second
reading for December 14, 2021, was seconded by Supervisor Radford and approved by
the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance accepting grant funds in the amount of $23,207 from
the Library of Virginia and appropriating the funds to Roanoke
County's Grant Fund (Toni Cox, Acting Director of Library
Services)
Ms. Cox provided explanation for request for ordinance and noted there
were no changes since the first reading.
Supervisor Hooker commented she is appreciative of this and has heard
from a lot of citizens. Thank you.
Supervisor North inquired which library was using these hotspot devices
with Ms. Cox advising that have all been checked out. There was no further discussion.
ORDINANCE 111721-3 ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $23,207 FROM THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA, AND
APPROPRIATING THE FUNDS TO ROANOKE COUNTY’S
GRANT FUND
WHEREAS, the Library of Virginia (LVA) is dispensing funding received from the
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to Virginia public libraries in order to help
communities respond directly and immediately to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to
November 17, 2021
656
related economic and community needs through equitable approaches in digital
inclusion and library services; and
WHEREAS, the amount of funding that is being distributed to localities’ public
libraries is based upon the current LVA state aid formula. The LVA has approved sub-
grant funding for Roanoke County Public Libraries (the “Library”) in the amount of
$23,207. If accepted and appropriated by the Board, the Library anticipates using such
funds to purchase additional internet hotspot devices, which will enable the Library to
advance digital inclusion efforts in the County by enabling citizens to access educational
websites, telework capabilities, and telemedicine resources; and
WHEREAS, the grant funding will additionally allow more Library patrons to
participate in virtual library programing, and to access digital library resources from
home; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on November 3, 2021,
and the second reading was held on November 17, 2021.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, that grant funds totaling $23,207, from the Library of Virginia, are
hereby accepted and appropriated to the Roanoke County Grant Fund, to be used for
library purposes.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE
1. The petition of New Millennium Building Systems, LLC, to rezone
approximately 2.00 acres from R-1C (Low Density Residential)
District with conditions to I-2 (High Intensity Industrial) District,
located at 3878 Garman Road, Catawba Magisterial District (Philip
Thompson, Director of Planning)
Mr. Thompson outlined the request for petition. Supervisor Hooker stated
her question related to the current residential situation. She is wondering if that
condition was based on that house and they wanted it to be in alignment with what was
existing instead of the long-term use was and the surrounding areas that are already
industrial. Mr. Thompson responded staff does not know why they did that and could
not find a proffered condition. In 1986, it was for the full property of 1986 of 48 acres.
He thinks because they shrunk it they said that was the condition was to reduce it in
size.
Chairman Peters opened and closed the public hearing with no citizens
speaking on this issue.
November 17, 2021
657
There was no further discussion.
ORDINANCE 111721-4 REZONING APPROXIMATELY 2.00
ACRES FROM R-1C (LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) DISTRICT
WITH CONDITIONS TO I-2 (HIGH INTENSITY INDUSTRIAL)
DISTRICT
WHEREAS, New Millennium Building Systems, LLC is requesting to rezone
approximately 2.00 acres, located at 3878 Garman Road, Catawba Magisterial District,
from R-1C (Low Density Residential) District with conditions to I-2 (High Intensity
Industrial) District; and
WHEREAS, the first reading of this ordinance was held on October 19, 2021, and
the second reading and public hearing were held on November 17, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the Roanoke County Planning Commission held a public hearing on
this matter on November 1, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommends approval of the petition as
requested; and
WHEREAS, legal notice and advertisement has been provided as required by
law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke
County, Virginia, as follows:
1. The petition of New Millennium Building Systems, LLC to rezone
approximately 2.00 acres, located at 3878 Garman Road, Catawba
Magisterial District from R-1C (Low Density Residential) District with
conditions to I-2 (High Intensity Industrial) District is approved.
2. The Board finds that the proposed rezoning request is consistent with the
Future Land Use Designation of “Principal Industrial”, is otherwise good
zoning practice, and will not result in substantial detriment to the
community.
3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its final
passage. The Zoning Administrator is directed to amend the zoning district
map to reflect the change in zoning classification authorized by this
ordinance.
On motion of Supervisor Hooker to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Supervisor
Peters and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
November 17, 2021
658
IN RE: CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTION 111721-5 APPROVING AND CONCURRING IN
CERTAIN ITEMS SET FORTH ON THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AGENDA FOR THIS DATE DESIGNATED AS
ITEM I- CONSENT AGENDA
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, as
follows:
That the certain section of the agenda of the Board of Supervisors for November
17, 2021, designated as Item I - Consent Agenda be, and hereby is, approved and
concurred in as to each item separately set forth in said section designated Items 1
through 4 inclusive, as follows:
1. Approval of minutes – August 10, 2021
2. Confirmation of appointment to the Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare Board
of Directors (At-Large)
3. Request to accept and allocate grant funds in the amount of $22,150 to the
Roanoke County Police Department from the U.S. Department of Justice's
BJA fiscal year 2021 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Program
4. Request to accept and allocate grant funds of $42,564 from the Virginia
Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) for an Emergency
Management Performance Grant
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Mahoney and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
A-111721-5.a
A-111721-5.b
A-111721-5.c
IN RE: REPORTS
Supervisor Mahoney moved to receive and file the following reports. The
motion was seconded by Supervisor Hooker and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
1. Unappropriated, Board Contingency and Capital Reserves Report
November 17, 2021
659
2. Outstanding Debt Report
3. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Revenues as of
October 31, 2021
4. Comparative Statement of Budgeted and Actual Expenditures and
Encumbrances as of October 31, 2021
5. Accounts Paid – October 31, 2021
6. Statement of Treasurer's Accountability per Investment and Portfolio
Policy as of October 31, 2021
7. Annual Report to the Board of Supervisors on Funds Invested in the
VML/VACO OPEB Pooled Trust - Roanoke County
8. Annual Report to the Board of Supervisors on Funds Invested in the
VML/VACO OPEB Pooled Trust - Roanoke County Schools
IN RE: REPORTS AND INQUIRIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
Supervisor Radford wished his father happy birthday today, he turned 89
and he acts and feels like he is 70. He is a Roanoke County resident, still very active,
he plays golf occasionally with Mr. North. We normally celebrate something on his
birthday. He is an active church member, goes to choir, so we have already done our
birthday party at lunch today. “Dad, if you are watching, Happy Birthday.” Supervisor
th
Radford advised he attended the November 4 Roanoke County Plan 200 at Bent
Mountain and it appeared to be well attended. The Bent Mountain community is one of
the more active. Those folks are really interest in what is going on. While he was there,
he got a tour of the Bent Mountain Community Center. He had a lot of roof problems;
got to see some of our work. He saw some of the results and upgrades that have been
done supplied by Roanoke County in that facility. It looks like they are about ready to
turn the corner and start making a more active community center as we get more and
more cleared away from COVID. They have a Christmas Fair at the Community Center
on December 4, 2021; from 4:00 to 8 p.m. It is really great where they have different
artisans there. A lot of it will be outside this year, so dress warm if you want to attend.
Supervisor Mahoney stated many of us had the opportunity on November
th
8 to tour the Carilion Children’s facility at Tanglewood. It is an amazing facility; it is
beautiful with what they are trying to do with children and help them in terms of their
health needs. It is just incredible. He thinks they told us 400-500 employees are there.
It is a beautiful facility and he thinks it will be gem for Roanoke County. On November
th
9, he had the opportunity to address the Hunting Hills Homeowners Association annual
meeting. Chief Hall and some of his officers were there as well as representatives from
VDOT. The folks at Hunting Hills let us know what their concerns were and he
explained some of the issues that Roanoke County is facing in the future, particularly
our Career and Technical Education issue and how critical that is and what is involved
November 17, 2021
660
in that process. He heard a lot of good feedback from many citizens there that were
very supportive of that initiative.
Supervisor Hooker stated Supervisor North, Richard Caywood, Peter
Lubeck and I went to VACO for a couple of days these week. It was a great experience.
We learned a lot and benefited a lot from that and the conversations. She was
privileged to attend several of the meetings and sit on the Education Committee. A
couple of highlights that she wanted to share. It was so beneficial that she and
Supervisor North feel that it would be beneficial to have some kind of meeting or 2 x 2’s
to share some of the thoughts with the rest of the Board and ultimately the School
Board also because there is a lot of valuable information. She feels it would behoove
us to visit and discuss. The Education Committee’s main points were school
infrastructure and modernization and just the fact that we are not alone and in the same
boat with every other school system in the State of Virginia with this problem of how we
fund and keep up with the needs. The standards of quality are always updated by the
State and yet they are not giving specifics on how they are going to be funded. There
was some discussion about that. There was ongoing discussion about staff shortages,
not just with teachers, but with instructional assistants, bus drivers. There was a long
list of needs they are facing. There was also plenty of discussion about holding schools
harmless on their ADM. On Economic Development, there was a lot of vibrant
discussion in that committee, also. The one that caught her ear, which she shared with
her fellow members there, was a strong discussion on housing and how Virginia is
adding more people annually than we are housing. So, we have a growing deficit of
people joining our State with no place to live. So, we really have to start focusing on
housing if we want to be attracting people to our area. Last night, there was a VDOT
meeting regarding Duigards Lane bridge work and she was very impressed with VDOT
and the work they did in putting that together. She appreciates our public safety coming
together with a plan for the days that bridge will be closed; they will have alternative
routes for any emergencies and our planning staff were there, too. They were great as
always. She appreciates them alleviating some of those concerns and fears.
Supervisor North stated he too attended VACO, there was a lot of
transportation discussion, as he is Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee. Two
people spoke there. First, on broadband from NACO and the infrastructure bill. The
other gentleman, Russ Dudley of VDOT spoke about the revenue sharing and priority
transportation funds, PTF funds in particular. Just to let you know, we are in the Salem
District. We have the fourth largest “chunk” of money, $27.8 million over 9.2% of the
total pot; we were fourth next to Richmond and Hampton Road and North Virginia was
number 1, $62.8 million. $58.9 million went to Hampton and $42.7 went to Richard.
Also, the Richmond District is now part of the Central Virginia Transportation Authority,
which includes our neighbors up the road in Lynchburg. So, when it comes to Smart
Scale application, those three (3) jurisdictions have a lot more money to put on the table
to leverage a project. We don’t have that taxing authority, nor am I advocating for it.
We do pretty good in the grand scheme of things with respect to the priority
November 17, 2021
661
transportation funds; in large part of the strong representative we now have on the
Commonwealth Transportation Board with Dr. Ray Smoot. Of the $27.8 million, he
believes, some of that is the Rt. 460. Rt. 220 interchange. With respect to the first part
of the transportation meeting and the NACO Transportation Steering Committee, there
are three areas that are interesting. First, the bill has now been signed by the
President, but has no rules of engagement finalized so here we go again. Congress
has all this money and it is coming, but don’t stand on the corner waiting for it because it
may be awhile. Second is the Surface Transportation Board grant that are slated to be
$72 billion over five (5) years, which is good and mean that some of that money will find
its way into the Roanoke Valley Allegheny Transportation Planning organization. A
fourth band of $50 thousand to $250 thousand population allegations are being
calculated as well. These will be calculated with formulas with some funds to the States
and some funds coming to local access. He is glad to see Mr. Hunter as he has news;
$65 billion will go to the States, with some middle, mild competitive grants for $1 billion
of five (5) years will be available. This is one for us to stand up and participate in.
NACO spokesman, Mark Ritako, encourages staff to participate with input in drafting the
guidelines. Virginia is slated to receive, initially, a minimum of $100 million. However,
the Department of Commerce is thin in terms of staff to write these guidelines on
broadband for this pot of $65 million. He encourages us, if we have people that want to
participate or provide input in the process of drafting guidelines for these funds, to get in
contact with him and he has the contact information. Lastly, Senate Bill 3011 and
House Resolution 5375 and an option, another bill on the federal level will allow 30% of
ARPA funds to be used for local transportation. This has 75 co-sponsors will broad bi-
partisan support in Congress. It also includes up to $10 million in revenue loss
allocation. Should that bill pass, it should have some impact on counties around the
Country, perhaps Roanoke County. Highway bridges will get $284 billion nationwide.
Walter infrastructure $55 million; might help out with some of our water issues. Cyber
Security was $50 billion, which could come our way to help Roanoke County and
around the nation.
Supervisor Peters reminded everyone, not sure of the times, but the last
two (2) Plan 200’s are today at the South County Library at 4:00 p.m. Hope you are
already there. Tomorrow at the Green Ridge Recreation Center. He wanted to add to
what Supervisor Mahoney was saying about Carilion Children’s. He also was able to
attend the tour of the building. He thinks it is amazing; they brought 17 clinics into one
place and what that does for healthcare for those children is amazing. Looking forward
to everything they are going to be doing there for all of our folks in this part of the State.
He asked that we again look at a joint meeting with the School Board sometime after
January and that will be to give us an update on the CTE. He understands the
committee will be ready to make a presentation, so would like to see if we can get a
time on the books for a joint meeting with the School Board. He thanked Amy and Gray
and everyone who participated in the State of the County. It has been a great year in
Roanoke County and know that the best is yet to come. Thanked everyone who had a
November 17, 2021
662
part in it. Thanked Supervisor Radford who took care of the long meeting back at the
first of the month; he was glad he was able to take care of that for us. Since he did not
get to do it at the first meeting, he wanted to thank the citizens of the Vinton Magisterial
District for allowing him to serve for another four years. He was gone during the
election, even though he was running unopposed, he was not sure what was going to
happen. Lastly, as being as open and honest with this citizens and everyone that he
represents, he was gone at the last meeting and was in Baltimore. Since he began his
cancer journey four (4) years ago, he made a pledge that he would keep people up-to-
date and if it ever got to the point that he was unable to serve, he would step down
because he does not want anything that is going on with him to effect the citizens or
Roanoke County. He would like to give an update that things have changed and they
have now diagnosed him with persistent thyroid cancer that is treatment resistant. He
will be going back to Baltimore in January for follow-up and possibly moving to Sloan
Kettering in New York. While it has been a journey, the last four (4) years have actually
gone very well. We are just going into an area what the next steps will be. He is
appreciative of this Board, their support, and the citizens. He just wanted to be honest
as some people already knew, but he feels like it better coming directly from him and
wanted everyone to know where things stand. He is very confident in his team of
doctors at John Hopkins. They have done an amazing job thus far and he has complete
faith in what they are doing and the track they have him on. His doctor continually tells
him to be optimistic; we have a lot of tools in the toolbox, but it is a journey.
IN RE: WORK SESSIONS
1. Work session to present the Economic Development Strategic
Plan to the Board of Supervisors (Jill Loope, Director of
Economic Development)
Ms. Loope provided an overview and turned the meeting over to Ashley
Posthumus with Virginia Tech who provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Supervisor Peters asked what the commitment from the Board needs to
be over a five-year period. Ms. Loope responded many of the recommendation in the
plan are identified because there are grant opportunities to fund those initiatives. In
fact, some of them were already in play. Supervisor Peters asked if there were
matching parts in those grants with Ms. Loope explained that often it is staff time
commitment.
Supervisor North Phil – wants something similar to what Peter did on the
legislative card.
Supervisor Peters commented he wanted to make sure we don’t end up
putting this on a shelf somewhat because we don’t have the money.
Supervisor North stated you need a concept plan and go with that and we
need to put the foot on the gas because the squeaky wheel get the grease in Richmond.
November 17, 2021
663
Supervisor Mahoney commented this is a great first step. Number two, he
likes the whole approach. He likes the idea of the goals and objectives and the tasks
that are all set out; his problem is he thinks there are too many and there is no way
Economic Development can do all this. He understands other departments are going to
be involved. He would rather have a more focused strategy. What he gleaned from
reading this was a couple things. Number one, target industries; we have to have a
discussion over what kind of industries we want to target. Everybody wants
entrepreneurs and high tech. Well, every other locality in the United States wants that.
So, he really thinks as you indicate here, life sciences and transportation. He is hearing
and reading that you want to try to target us to a narrower focus. That's number one.
Number two, there's a lot of repetitive here that gets back to Jason's point, incentives,
Incentives is what we give to businesses, but incentives is also infrastructure,
broadband. That's going to cost a lot of money. Supervisor Mahoney also commented
that we are losing children. We spend almost $11,000 a year for every child in K
through 12, that’s 13 years or $130,000 and they go somewhere else. We need
something in our portfolio that will draw people to Roanoke County.
Supervisor Radford commented that we heard from Michael Freelander at
Virginia Tech research that they made the airport bigger in Birmingham, Alabama and
the world opened up. So, is there any way we can help the Roanoke Blacksburg
airport. To him that should be one of our big focuses.
Supervisor Mahoney added we are going in 20 different directions at once.
Some of these are in conflict. He would rather focus on those things we can control.
We can put money out there for airport infrastructure, but thinks there are other things
we can do. Let’s narrow it down. CTE is the 900 lb. gorilla. What are we willing to do
with incentives? Our biggest regulatory burden is our zoning ordinance. He is afraid
there so many tasks there we could get lost and he would like to narrow it down.
Supervisor Hooker agrees there is a lot, a lot of moving parts at one time
and sometimes it’s about opportunity on which part happens first. She applauds the
focus for CTE because she thinks that is foundational. At the same time, we don’t want
to over emphasis it with this document. She thinks the bigger thing to look at is
employment; we need a labor force.
The work session was held from 4:46 p.m. until 5:48 p.m.
2. Work session to review with the Board of Supervisors allocations
of fiscal year 2020-2021 year end and the American Rescue Plan
Act (Laurie Gearheart, Director of Finance and Management
Services)
November 17, 2021
664
Ms. Gearheart provided a PowerPoint presentation. She indicated that in
a memo dated October 21, 202, staff indicated several items that need to be restored or
budgeted is needed for one-time expenditures as well as additional costs for the new
public service center. There is also a real need for additional hotpots for our citizens to
access through our libraries. Further, we need trash trucks to ensure proper trash
pickup for our citizens. These trucks take months to receive, once ordered. The Sheriff
has also advised they have asbestos issues in the flooring of the jail they have been
trying to address for years.
Supervisor North commented he asked Rebecca to get information from
Kevin Hutchins, County Treasurer, on vehicles. Personal Property will stay high until
2023. He would like to see us earmark those funds to set aside someplace until the
code of Virginia is amended, because I feel the bill will pass according to input we've
gotten. It hasn't been filed yet, but when it does, it won't be effective until July 1 of 2022.
When that happens, we're now in fiscal year 23. Peter Luback has indicated to me that
the code is silent as to when you have to dispose of the year-end surplus. Mr. Lubeck
clarified it is ambiguous. In the year for which there is a surplus, the Board can come
up with a plan to distribute. To him, it wasn't quite clear whether the plan had to become
up within the year in which there's a surplus, or whether the distribution had to be made
within that year. So that's something that we should perhaps clarify moving forward.
Supervisor Peter stated he would like to propose a little bit different
position by doing away with the Vehicle Licensing Fee (VLF) fee for 2022. Why no
waive the $20 fee?
Mr. O’Donnell suggested we work on a budget memo about the budgetary
impact.
Supervisors Mahoney and Radford suggested using the dollars for
unfunded projects.
It was the consensus of the Board to remove the VLF for 2022.
Bill Hunter, Director of Information Technology, explained the
cybersecurity needs. There was consensus on the first installment.
Supervisor Mahoney would like to allocate some of the CARES to small
businesses.
It was the consensus of the Board to take $500,000 from stormwater and
set aside for small businesses.
The work session was held from 5:51 p.m. until 6:34 p.m.
IN RE: CLOSED MEETING
At 4:25 p.m., Supervisor Peters moved to go into closed meeting following
the work sessions pursuant to the Code of Virginia Section 2.2-3711 A 1 – Discussion of
prospective candidates for appointment to the Roanoke County Board of Equalization,
November 17, 2021
665
Western Virginia Regional Jail Authority, Broadband Authority, South Peak Community
Development Authority, Roanoke Valley Resource Authority and the Audit Committee.
The motion was seconded by Supervisor Mahoney and carried by the
following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Peters, Radford
NAYS: None
The closed session was held from 6:55 p.m. until 7:12 p.m.
IN RE: CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION
At 7:13 p.m., Supervisor Peters moved to return to open session and
adopt the certification resolution.
RESOLUTION 111721-6 CERTIFYING THE CLOSED MEETING
WAS HELD IN CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia has convened
a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in
accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and
WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by
the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, that such closed meeting was
conducted in conformity with Virginia law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia, hereby certifies that, to the best of each member’s
knowledge:
1. Only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting
requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting which this
certification resolution applies; and
2. Only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening
the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Board of Supervisors of
Roanoke County, Virginia.
November 17, 2021
666
On motion of Supervisor Peters to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor
Radford and carried by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Supervisors Mahoney, Hooker, North, Radford, Peters
NAYS: None
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Peters adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m.
Submitted by: Approved by:
________________________ ___________________________________
Deborah C. Jacks Paul M. Mahoney
Chief Deputy Clerk to the Board Chairman